The bed is the main focus of any bedroom, setting the tone and style for the rest of the room.

It’s also where you spend hours of every day while you sleep! For these reasons, it’s worth fully understanding your choice when picking out a bed for your bedroom.

The number of style, design and material choices when it comes to beds can feel overwhelming. 

However, if you take some time to learn about them, you will end up with a bedroom that fits your desired style and function. 

Whether you want a cozy cottage or a sleek, modern apartment, this article will help you find the perfect bed to compliment your style. 

After all, who doesn’t want to snuggle up in a gorgeous, stylish bedroom at the end of a hard day?

Different Types of Bed Sizes

To begin, let’s lay out (pun intended) all of the standard bed sizes.

This is very important to consider in relation to your space. If the bed doesn’t fit in the room, its style and design don’t really matter! 

This will also let you know which terminology to use when picking out a bed to fit your needs.

1. Twin Bed

The smallest of standard bed sizes aside from cribs, these are also known as single beds.

Twin beds are generally 38 inches wide and 75 inches long. This makes them the perfect for a younger child’s bedroom, or even for a single adult living in a smaller studio or apartment.

They stand at about 6 feet and 2 inches tall, meaning they are better suited to solo sleepers under 6 feet tall. It’s recommended that rooms for single beds are at least 7 by 10 feet. 

Thanks to their small size, twin beds are great space savers. Two twin beds can even be combined into a single king size bed, which is a versatile way to host both adults and children.

Although they can’t comfortably fit more than one person, they’re a versatile, affordable option for your bedroom if you’re a solo sleeper.

2. Twin XL Bed

These beds are typically 38 inches wide and 80 inches long, which is the same width as a twin bed but with 5 extra inches of length. 

The length of this bed makes it ideal not only for children, but also for teens and single adults who need some extra leg room! If you measure over 6 feet, this bed will be a much better option than a standard twin.

Twin XLs are recommended for rooms of at least 9 feet 6 inches by 10 feet 6 inches. Thanks to the slim shape of this bed, it remains a great choice for tight living spaces with the added bonus of extra leg space.

3. Double Bed

Also known as full beds, these are usually 54 inches wide and 75 inches in length– the same as a twin bed with 16 inches of extra width. 

They are recommended for shorter (under 6ft) single adults, but with the extra width can sleep two people at a bit of a squeeze. 

This may work well for couples in small apartments without the room available for a full Queen or King bed.

The double bed provides 27 inches of sleeping space per person, and is recommended for rooms of at least 9 feet 6 inches by 10 feet 6 inches. 

They work excellently for solo sleepers who want extra space to spread out and move around.

4. Queen Bed

These are normally 60 inches wide by 80 inches long, and are the most commonly-used size of bed. 

Being 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer than a full-size bed, they are ideal for couples, people with pets, and single sleepers who love to sprawl out starfish style.

They are recommended for rooms that are at least 10 feet by 10 feet, and work excellently for multiple people or pets. 

With two sleepers, each person gets about 30 inches of space to themselves! The queen bed is not outgrown easily, and works great for master bedrooms and large guest rooms.

5. King Bed

A step up from a queen bed, a king is typically 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, making it 16 inches wider than a queen. 

This is the widest standard size available, and recommended for rooms of at least 12 feet by 12 feet. They are excellent beds for spacious master bedrooms.

With 38 inches of space per person, a king bed is perfect for couples that love their personal space, parents of young children, people with cuddly pets– and even solo sleepers who can’t help but toss and turn!

6. California King Bed

These beds are generally 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, being the longest out of all standard mattress sizes. 

Just like a king, they are recommended for rooms of at least 12 feet by 12 feet. Thanks to the extra length, they are perfect for taller people who find their feet hanging off the end of normal beds.

With a luxurious 38 inches per person, California King beds are perfect for couples, families, pet lovers, and active sleepers.

Types of Bed Designs

Next, let’s talk about bed designs. This refers to the structure and form of the bed, ranging from highly functional bunk beds, to large and stylish four-poster beds. When considering style, you should keep in mind the existing features of the room and the amount of space you have to work with.

1. Sleigh Bed

These beds have a unique shape, being curved along their headboard and footboard into the shape of a sleigh. This makes them very distinctive– sometimes even becoming the focal point of the bedroom!

This design can fit a variety of decor styles, namely traditional and contemporary. Usually, sleigh beds are made of wood and have exaggerated, curving forms. This means they don’t fit very well in sleek, modern spaces, but work great in more decorative styles. 

They can be paired with upholstery, ornate carvings or other decorative features to make them better suit the specific style of your space.

The elevated footboard also helps to keep your feet warm and cozy by providing some extra insulation.

Sleigh beds should be avoided if you have a small space, since they take up a lot of vertical and horizontal room. 

However, if you have a large master bedroom with a contemporary or classic style, they might just be a perfect fit!

2. Panel Bed

This type of bed has rails along the headboard and footboard of the bed which are lined with decorative panels. 

Normally, these panels are framed with raised molding or grooves that mimic traditional wood paneling or wainscoting. This gives a rustic, traditional feeling to the space.

They are made of wood, offering painted or stained options that add some versatility to this style of bed. Some options also come with upholstery. 

Select models are available without a footboard, which can help to avoid a small room feeling crowded and add an extra sitting surface at the end of the bed.

Normally, the base of a panel bed is made up of spaced wooden panels to increase breathability and lengthen the life of your mattress. 

This attribute, paired with their strong support for your mattress, make them good practical choices– especially in damp houses. Although they don’t suit modern styles, they fit wonderfully in farmhouse, cottage, and traditional style homes.

3. Wave Bed

Wave beds are unique beds that have a frame shaped like a wave along its length. They can vary in how dramatic their shapes are, with some being much more noticeable.

These beds are available in many different styles and materials, such as wood and metal. Their shape can also allow for handy storage space underneath the mattress, sometimes with the addition of drawers or shelves.

Though not a suitable choice for more understated or classical styles, they work great in modern, sleek spaces. Metal models are especially effective for these types of rooms. 

If you want a modern, artsy centerpiece for your bedroom, a wave bed may be ideal!

4. Poster Beds

This name covers a few different types of beds. 

The feature that defines a poster bed is its posts, traditionally having one in each corner. They are ideal for large spaces with plenty of vertical room, but will easily overcrowd a small bedroom.

Classic Poster Bed

The traditional form of a poster bed has a tall, thick post at each of its four corners. 

This is a historical bed, with origins in the 15th century. Over the years, it’s been a popular choice for the regal bedrooms of nobles and kings alike! 

In the present day, it is best suited to classical spaces with its dark wood and strong shapes.

Most traditional poster beds have ornate carvings on the head and footboard, as well as decorative swirls and bulges in the posts and feet. There is no shortage of texture and varied shape on this style of bed.

Pencil Poster Bed

This is an 18th century evolution of the classic four-poster bed. Its distinguishing feature are its thin, stylish posts. 

Compared to the strong shapes of the classic poster bed, it’s sleek and simplified. This means it can easily fit in a more modern setting, especially with some of the modernized versions of it that are available now.

They also work great in rustic, homely bedrooms, especially when paired with strong colors and patterns. 

Conveniently, the thinner frame also means it’s less of a pain to move around than classic poster beds, since they have a lot less heavy wood in their form.

If you like the feel of a four poster bed but don’t want to commit to an antiquated, regal style, a pencil poster bed may be perfect for you!

Low Poster Bed

This form of the four-poster bed has much lower posts than its peers. 

They normally stand only a few inches from the mattress, meaning this bed is much less overpowering in a bedroom than its predecessors. 

Depending on the individual style of the bed, it may have an ornate, historical style, or lean more toward the modern look of pencil poster beds. There is plenty of variation in low posters, allowing you to pick what fits your personal tastes.

Half Poster Bed

These are a great compromise if you want the classic, historical look of a full four-poster bed but don’t have a very large space to pull it off. A half-poster is exactly what it sounds like, consisting only of two posts at the head of the bed.

Half poster beds are normally styled similarly to classic poster beds, taking inspiration from history with ornate carvings and complex shapes. 

This means they work best in classic spaces, and should be avoided if you are looking for sleek and modern designs.

5. Half Tester Bed

These beds are similar to poster beds but sit very low to the ground. The four posters are also shifted to the head of the bed, creating a short “canopy” that sits over the pillows. 

Half Tester beds were popular in the 1700s, and are most often seen in older homes. This makes them a perfect addition to a historically-inspired, ornate bedroom. 

They are normally highly detailed with carvings on the boards and posts, along with gilded or upholstered features.

The lack of posts at the foot of the bed also means they take up less space, so may be a good compromise if you don’t have space for a full poster bed.

6. Canopy Bed

A canopy bed is very similar to a four-poster bed, but with an extra touch of style.

They have the four tall posts in each corner, but they are connected at the top with a frame that sits above the mattress. Fabric can then be draped across this frame to further enhance the style and comfort of the bed.

Traditional Canopy Bed

Another style that stretches back centuries, the traditional canopy bed has thick posts and dark wood, normally with ornate carvings. 

Paired with a luxurious, dark colored fabric draped over the frame of the bed, they fit perfectly in a regal, historical bedroom.

The use of fabric also means they are highly customizable to your color scheme and style. Having a fabric draped around the bed is both stylish and helps to increase feelings of comfort and intimacy when lying in bed!

Contemporary Canopy Bed

This is the modern form of the classic canopy bed. They normally have thin, sleek frames made of wood or metal. 

Unlike traditional styles, they often have no ornamentation or carving– opting instead for hard, clean lines and shapes.

Because the frame is thin and sometimes made of much lighter materials than solid wood, these beds are easier to move around. 

They can also be paired with a light, modern fabric to emulate the comfortable, intimate feeling of a classic canopy bed.

These are much more flexible in their style than traditional canopies, fitting anything from minimalist to contemporary spaces.

7. Enignum Bed

These are a unique form of the canopy bed created by Irish designer Joseph Walsh. At the head of the bed, thin sections of wood arch in a natural form toward the end of the bed. Then, a silk curtain is normally hung from this arching form. 

The shape language is meant to suggest embracing and protecting the sleeper, creating a comfortable nook to fall asleep in. They only really work in a large bedroom due to the sprawling design.

If you want something unique and stylish, an Enignum bed would work great in a modern, naturalistic space with light colors and clean lines. 

They are enchanting, making a bedroom feel like an elegant, mystical space that might be found in a distant elven city.

8. Upholstered Bed

This refers to any bed with an upholstery feature on it, normally on the sides, headboard and footboard. 

They can be made with a variety of materials– normally suede, velvet or faux leather over a padded layer. This makes their headboards very comfortable to sit against while reading, working or watching TV.

The upholstery on these beds can also have extra decoration in the form of studs, buttons or embroidery. This adds to the ornate, rich feeling of the bed.

They will work best in classical spaces, though some can be styled for more modern rooms depending on the individual model. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns to fit your space.

9. Mission Bed

These beds use natural looking wood to create a simple, elegant look. 

They normally feature flat paneling and have a focus on straight, horizontal and vertical lines. This is most often seen in lines of paneling on the head and footboard.

Mission beds are sleek and interesting to look at, while still upholding a simplistic, contemporary style. Their patterns are made to accentuate the grain of the wood, letting the natural features of the bed be its main ornamentation. 

Originally having roots in the Spanish colonies of North America, this historical style bed will work great in most contemporary, sleek and simple styled spaces. They pair especially well with warm, natural colors to create a cozy feeling in the bedroom.

10. Platform Bed

A platform bed is defined by a thick, sturdy base and a low, bulky frame. This makes them very sturdy, able to support a mattress without the need for a box spring or foundation underneath. 

However, because they are usually low to the ground, you may want to add a foundation to increase the height of the bed.

They are popular in modern homes, giving great support and ventilation due to their solid shape and rows of flexible slats. 

They can withstand a lot of weight, so if this is a concern for you a platform bed is probably your best bet!

Their strong, sturdy shapes make them great for modern and minimalist spaces. They rarely have much ornamentation which makes them a versatile furniture piece. 

11. Divan Bed

This type of bed has a special base, made with a wooden frame and then covered with fabric. 

They often come with a mattress designed especially for the base, making them a good choice if you want to purchase a bed and mattress all at once.

Divan beds have no footboard and the side of the frame normally sits flush with the mattress. This helps save space, especially when paired with the hidden drawers in the base of many Divans. 

The comfy, padded headboard also makes for an excellent bed for reading, watching TV or just relaxing. They work great in modern, contemporary and minimalist spaces, especially if space is limited.

12. Lighted Bed

This refers to any bed with a light built into its frame. This can range from colorful, modern LED strips to more homely lamps in the headboard.

This feature makes it easy to read at night and turn off the light without getting out of bed. They act as an alternative to bedside lamps, and are usually made to be soft and unobtrusive in a dark room.

LED strips have become especially popular in recent years, usually set behind the headboard to create a backlight effect. 

This specific type of light works best in modern spaces, but there are many classical style lighted beds available as well.

13. Adjustable Bed

These beds come with a motor, controlled with a remote, that lets you raise or lower the top and bottom halves of the bed.

This lets you alter the setup whenever you want, changing between sleeping, reclining and sitting positions in comfort to fit a variety of activities. 

This also lets you fine tune your sleeping position to be best for any aches or pains. Some models even come with built-in massage features.

These beds are especially useful for those with mobility issues and recurring pain. They also work great if you just want to switch between convenient positions for things like reading and watching TV.

14. Rocking Bed

These beds have a unique design that can help improve the quality of your sleep. Their shape lets them soothingly sway back and forth, similar to when children are rocked gently to sleep. By emulating this comforting feeling it can help to induce a good night’s sleep.

Some rocking beds need to be manually started off and then rely on gravity to pull it back and forth. Others have motors and use buttons or a remote control to set off the rocking motion, meaning you can just get in and hit a switch to start this feature. 

Motors are designed with quiet in mind in order to avoid disturbing your sleep, and may even allow you to change the speed and intensity of the movement to suit your preference.

These are normally made of wood or metal, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. If you have trouble relaxing properly at night, they may be a great option to try!

15. Sonic Bed

These beds nestle you in a nook surrounded by wooden walls. These have inbuilt speakers which allow you to fall asleep to soothing music, sounds or podcasts. 

The design of these beds can vary, but they are normally pretty bulky in order to fit the speakers and other equipment needed for them to work. They are most often seen in modern and abstract styles.

A sonic bed could be an excellent option for you if you enjoy listening to things as you fall asleep.

16. Letto Zip

These beds encase the bedding and mattress in a frame, which has a zippable, fabric cover on top. This means that when not in use, the sheets and duvet can be zipped away, out of sight.

Effectively, this removes the need to neatly make the bed in order to have a clean looking space. It also creates a sitting space on top of the bed when not in use.

They can come in many styles but are usually of modern or minimalist design.

17. Magnetic Floating Bed

These conceptual beds are the height of modern luxury and one of the most expensive and unusual beds you can buy!

The mattress sits on a wood or metal platform that is suspended off the ground using industrial grade, permanent magnets. This makes the mattress float mystically. Some designs also come with bedside tables built into the bed frame that float alongside you.

Impressively, these beds can hold up to 900 kg, meaning you don’t have to worry about crashing back to earth while you’re sleeping!

Though there is no real practical reason to sleep in a floating, magnetic bed, we have to admit they look very cool. 

If you have money spare and want an undeniable conversation piece in your bedroom then you should look into these magical sleeping spots.

18. Air Bed

This refers to a bed that is filled with air rather than ordinary mattress materials. An important note is that an air bed is different from an air mattress. 

The latter is normally used for temporary sleeping setups while camping or where beds are unavailable. Air beds are permanent, and created with this in mind. This mostly means they are made to need inflating less often and are more comfortable.

They are available both in regular bed form and as pullout couch options. They make great tools for guests, if you don’t have room for a full guest bed.

19. Hanging Bed

As you would probably expect, these are beds that hang from the ceiling from rope or wire. Though more often seen outdoors or on patios, they are also fine as proper sleeping spaces.

However, they can wear out quickly with nightly use and may be impractical for this reason. They will probably work best as temporary beds in places like villas or cabins. 

Normally, these beds suit a contemporary, rustic or naturalistic feel. However, some designs may also fit in a more minimalist space, depending on the individual.

20. Water Bed

Though unusual, these beds filled with water are an alternative to spring or memory foam mattresses. 

The softness of the bed comes from the water held inside the plastic mattress, giving them a very unique feeling to sleep on.

Water beds are excellent for soothing sore muscles, especially if you invest in a heater for the water. 

They’re even sometimes recommended by physical therapists for certain injuries or conditions! They are also great for keeping your bed cool during summer.

21. Hammock Bed

Made of canvas, rope or fabric and suspended in the air by being tied to strong, vertical supports, these are an unusual choice for a permanent sleeping place. 

However, there is no reason you can’t sleep in a hammock every night! Some even argue they are more comfortable than traditional beds.

Otherwise, they work great outdoors or in cozy, homely indoor spaces as reading or napping spots. They’re also great to bring on camping trips.

If indoors, they will work best in cottage or beach style houses. They are probably a poor choice for minimalist or modern style rooms, but this heavily depends on the individual furniture piece.

22. Bookcase Bed

This refers to any bed with a built-in bookcase, normally in the headboard above the sleeping space.

This makes an excellent choice for any bookworm who wants to easily access their book collection when in bed. If you eat through a book every few days, a bookcase bed could be a perfect one for you!

Once filled with books and knickknacks, these beds can also be very nice additions as a decorative feature for an eclectic room. When paired with a soft lamp, they make perfect, comfy reading spaces.

23. Storage Bed

This is a wide-reaching term that refers to any bed with in-built storage spaces. These can be drawers, shelves or any other nooks for putting books, toys and other items.

Outwardly, these can look like pretty much any style of bed, however they are likely to have bulky frames to make space for shelves and drawers. 

In some designs, these are entirely hidden with secret panels so that the bed looks completely ordinary most of the time.

These storage spaces will most often be in the lower portion of the frame, under the mattress. 

However, they can also sometimes be in the head and footboard of the bed. Some beds even allow you to lift the entire sleeping section on a hinge to access even more storage underneath.

Storage beds are an excellent choice if you struggle with storage space in your home. They also work great in childrens rooms for putting toys and clothes away neatly.

24. Ottoman Bed

These beds are either lifted manually or have gas power hydraulics that lift the mattress to reveal storage space underneath. 

This space is normally divided by wooden panels to make convenient sorting of clothes or other items. They are especially suitable for storing bedding, letting you simply lift the bed and pull some out when it’s time to change the sheets.

Because of this storage space, they will have a bulky base. Ottoman beds are normally created in a modern style, often lacking head or footboards at all. 

In most cases, they will work well in minimalist, clean style rooms– especially where there is little space for storage.

25. Book Bed

This is a bed originally designed in Japan to save space in small apartments. As the name implies, it folds from either side like a book, meaning it takes up only a small amount of space when not in use.

These aren’t as common as other space-saving beds like the Murphy bed, but are still a fine option if you have limited room. Normally, they are folded and then pushed against a wall.

Because they need to be able to fold up, they are normally of very simple design and require a special mattress.

26. Concealed Bed

This refers to beds that are able to disappear completely when not in use.

There are a few varieties of concealed beds, including Murphy and folding beds. In some cases, the bed might fold away and hide itself as another form of furniture. 

Most commonly this means lifting up to become shelves or a cabinet, or being pushed away into a set of drawers.

Concealed beds can also be customized to your home, with one side being matched to the wall so that they can completely fold away and become invisible.

Other forms of this bed simply have a box or slab that you can pull down over the bed with a hinge, covering the sleeping area. This then becomes a usable surface or table during the day.

27. Folding Bed

These beds consist of a frame and mattress that can easily be folded inward or outward, making it a versatile investment. 

They are normally lightweight, letting them be easily stored away in cupboards or wardrobes. They also normally come with wheels making this movement even easier.

Folding beds are ideal for saving space if you have a small flat, children or occasional guests staying the night.

These beds are normally made from metallic frames that come in several colors, and legs that fold inward when not in use. Some folding beds can also be folded into a chair position, folded into a wall– or even used as sofa beds!

28. Trundle Bed

In a way, these are the opposite of a bunk bed. They are usually a normal looking twin bed with a thick base. From the base, a second bed can be pulled out like a drawer.

This makes trundle beds great space savers, and an excellent choice for children’s rooms. They allow the bedroom to gain floorspace during the day without sacrificing comfort at night. They’re also great for sleepovers!

Some trundle beds even come as bunk beds, with a third bed pulling out from the bottom. This means they can sleep a total of three people comfortably.

29. Murphy Bed

Also known as pull-down or wall beds, a Murphy bed is one of the most common forms of space saving beds that is used all over the world in small spaces.

They have a hinge so that you can lift the entire bed and fold it up against the wall, meaning it takes up minimal space when not in use. They can also be folded up into a closet or cabinet, completely concealing the bed.

They are excellent choices in small apartments or homes, allowing you to reclaim as much floor space as possible during the day. 

This makes them perfect for studio apartments with no dedicated bedroom, since they can sit in the middle of a living room without actually taking up the space.

Murphy beds are typically modern and simple, but because of their popularity a wide range of styles are available if you’re willing to pay a bit more!

30. Futon Bed

This furniture piece doubles as a couch and a bed. They are a traditional Japanese style of bedding which folds up into a chair when not in use, making them perfect for a guest room or living space.

Though they are often expensive, they tend to be hard wearing and made to last. Futon beds are a solid investment if you have a small living space or guests regularly dropping by to stay the night.

Futons are available in a wide range of sizes, from twin to full king if you really want to go crazy!

31. Daybed

These are much like a futon but without the folding feature, and are normally considered more elegant. 

Daybeds act as both a bed and a sofa, transforming between the two through the addition or removal of bedding. They come in a variety of sizes but are normally the same as a standard twin bed. 

Their space saving, multi-use nature makes them a perfect choice for offices, guest rooms or living spaces. On a daybed, you can sit, sleep or lounge without sacrificing much of your living space.

They come in a wide range of shapes and styles, offering much more elegant, classical styles than futons generally do.

If you want the convenience of a futon but have a historical, ornate style in your home, a daybed may be an excellent choice!

32. Sofa Bed

This piece of furniture can transform between a sofa and a bed with ease. Normally, this is by pulling out the lower section to reveal a mattress.

Although often not very comfortable because of the small space available for the mattress, these are an excellent choice if you have little space to work with or only need a bed occasionally. 

The main downside of a sofa bed is that they tend to be extremely heavy, making them a difficult piece to move around.

33. Cot Bed

Though not many people’s first choice, a cot bed can be a convenient choice if you have limited space. 

They often fold away easily and have wheels on their legs to make movement a breeze. This means they are easily stored against walls, and in cabinets and wardrobes.

This allows for maximization of the space available to you during the day. It also makes them a great option for guests, since it means your guest room can have other purposes when people aren’t staying the night.

Though not as comfortable as a real bed, they’re not horrible to sleep on if you spend some money for a higher end cot bed.

34. Double Decker Bed

Very similar to a bunk bed, these normally refer to stacked beds of larger sizes than twins. 

These are great if you have a little more space than usual in a kid’s bedroom, but still not enough for two full beds– especially if you have older children.

They could also be useful for a small space shared by two adults. They allow for more space in bed while conserving as much floor space as possible.

35. Bunk Beds

This section refers to classic bunk beds, where twin beds are stacked on top of one another. These are very commonly seen in shared kids’ rooms to preserve floor space. 

They also come in a variety of styles and designs. Normally, these beds have a ladder or stairs to reach the top bed.

L-Shaped Bunk Bed

Unlike classic bunk beds which are stacked directly above one another, these beds are made to fit in a corner with one bed along each wall.

L-shaped bunk beds are a great choice if  you have a corner free in a shared kids bedroom, since they feel less cramped than normal bunk beds.

They also allow easier conversation from one bed to another (which can be a positive and a negative for parents).

Twin Over Full Bunk Bed

This combo of a double decker bed and a classic bunk bed is perfect for a bedroom shared by an older and younger child.

The bed features a classic double bed at the bottom, with a twin bed on top. Often, these use stairs instead of ladders to go over the extra width of the bottom bed.

36. Futon Bunk Bed

This combination of a futon and a bunk bed has a raised twin bed on top, and a foldable futon at the bottom. 

This is great for a kids bedroom with limited space, since the futon can be folded away during the day.

It also provides a sofa when the futon isn’t in use, maximizing the space as much as possible. Kids will also appreciate that they are perfect for sleepovers!

37. Cabin Bed

This kids bed is normally raised with walls and a roof to simulate a small cabin around the sleeping area. Some even have windows and a working door to really get that treehouse feeling!

There aren’t really many practical benefits to this bed beyond being a fun variation on a normal, raised bed for a child. Some children may find it easier to sleep in an enclosed nook, however. 

These beds are often available in themes, such as a pirate ship, treehouse or space station to fit your child’s interests. Many of these options will create a super cool space for a kid to play and snuggle up at night!

38. Floor Bed

This type of bed is normally used for toddlers just starting to walk about. 

Floor beds are either a special mattress set directly on the floor, or a very short frame to keep the mattress slightly elevated. 

Unless intended for short term use, the second option is recommended to keep moisture and mold under control, especially if used by young children.

The biggest boon of floor beds is the ability for a toddler to get in and out of them easily without hurting themselves. It also avoids injury if a child rolls out of bed at night.

There’s a lot of debate and opinions around floor beds for toddlers, which you should definitely read up on before choosing this option for your child. 

In terms of style, it would work very well in a minimalist or modern space. It wouldn’t fit as well if your home is more classical or ornate.

39. Vertical Bed

These highly unusual beds entirely remove the need to lie down!

Instead, you lean back into a tight pillow of foam that securely wraps around your body. This allows you to sleep completely upright, and then simply walk out of bed in the morning.

At this point, these beds are very rare and experimental, so there really isn’t much information on their comfort or convenience. However, they could be a useful tool for those with sleep apnea, where sleeping upright can make breathing easier during sleep.

Types of Bed Styles and Materials

Now that the many, many types of bed design has been broken down, let’s turn our attention to style. 

These can apply to almost all of the listed designs above, and should be considered in relation to your already existing styles and furniture. A modern bed in a classic room will look very strange, after all!

These categories will be far more focused on visual style than functionality.

1. Traditional Bed

This refers to a variety of styles from bygone eras, including poster, canopy and sleigh beds. 

A traditional bed is timeless, often exuding feelings of class and luxury. They are most often made with dark wood, with complex carvings and ornate patterns on their frame. These are best paired with similarly classic and ornate bedding.

These beds will work best in a classic, historical, traditional or eclectic style home.

2. Cottage Bed

This is a style of bed that focuses on coziness and the feeling of home. They are modeled largely on historical style, rural beds.

Cottage beds are most known for their very decorative headboards, featuring ornate carvings and colorful paintings that bring life and interest to a space. Often, they are slightly distressed to give the appearance of age.

Their style is light but lavish, emulating an old country cottage from bygone eras. They work wonderfully in a farmhouse, country or beach style home.

3. Country Bed

Similar to a cottage style bed, these are rustic and outdoorsy-feeling pieces made of a mix of wood types.

They normally have simple but large panels at the foot and headboards, with slats or paneling to add texture. 

Like cottage beds, they are also often slightly weathered or distressed to make them appear old and well used. This gives a greater sense of history to the space.

They focus on rich, natural textures and traditional shapes. Paired with organic-coloured, comfy bedding they will make your bedroom timeless and cozy.

4. Retro Bed

This refers to more recent historical designs based on a variety of vintage styles.

These beds range from very old-fashioned to a more modern, contemporary style with retro influences. They work great in mid-century and rustic modern homes.

More modernized retro designs may also work well in minimalist or abstract homes. They normally have more bold shape design than traditional, modern beds, but are still clean in texture and color. You could even pair them with an LED lit design for a full 80’s look!

This type of bed has a wide range of styles, so can fit many different spaces.

5. Rustic Bed

These beds are rough, aged, and use natural textures. There is little ornate carving or design, with most of the appeal coming from strong natural features like wood grain.

Essentially, a rustic bed is aiming for a country style but with more distressed features. They avoid modern features at all cost, fitting very well in cabin style homes.

If you want your bedroom to feel outdoorsy, homespun and old-fashioned then a rustic bed should work very well.

They normally have dark wood and stark, wide shapes that work best in a simply decorated space. When it comes to bedding, they work best with natural colors, furs and textured (but not patterned) fabric.

6. Woven Bed

Woven beds are also known as rattan or wicker beds. They are created by weaving either natural or synthetic materials to create a solid surface, often woven into a pattern for decoration.

These beds are an excellent way to add naturalistic texture to a room, and work wonderfully in beach, country and farmhouse styles bedrooms. 

They have little extra ornamentation beyond the woven material, but provide plenty of detail and texture through this alone.

They are normally light in color and work best in similarly light spaces. Their bedding is best in blues, greens and other gentle, outdoorsy tones. They can also fit very well with some more bold patterns to create an eclectic space.

7. Brass Bed

These beds emulate a historical, antique look. They are made of brass, normally curled into patterns at the headboard and footboard.

The brass of these beds can range in color from golden to a silvery yellow. Normally, the more silver the metal is, the cheaper. This can be kept in mind if your budget is low. 

These beds are sleek, old fashioned and rough. They work very well in old, industrial styled rooms, as well as more luxurious historical spaces. They can range from extremely ornate to fairly simplistic to match your needs.

They’re also fairly hardy, surviving most bumps and scratches. Unfortunately, this also means they make for a painful night if you stub your toe in the dark.

8. Ornate Bed

This can refer to a range of different styles, but generally means a rococo or similar highly detailed, historical style.

These beds can be made from a wide variety of materials, ranging from wood to metal. They have a ton of exquisite detail, adding a sense of luxury to any room. This detail can also be ornamented with gold or silver for extra regality.

Their frames are normally beautiful and complex, with winding or curling patterns. They are best in luxurious, eclectic spaces where there is already plenty of pattern and color.

If you want to feel like a rich medieval prince when you go to bed, an ornate bed will work well!

9. Wrought Iron Bed

These beds are made with one of the most durable metals available, meaning they can take a beating. They can carry a lot of weight and won’t be damaged easily.

In style, they are vintage and fairly detailed. Often their head and footboards will have curling designs that help add interest and pattern to the space. However, their simple, gray color means they can fit almost any color scheme with ease.

They can even work in some more modern settings if chosen carefully. Overall, a wrought iron bed is versatile and practical.

10. Distressed Bed

These are beds that are deliberately treated with sandpaper or paint stripper to create an aged, distressed look.

This is done to create a rustic feel to the bed, suited to a farmhouse, traditional or historical bedroom. They are styled after vintage furniture, with the intention to make them feel old and full of history even if the bed is actually new.

They work great with dark, natural coloured bedding and strong textures. They fit particularly well in cottage, farmhouse and rustic bedrooms.

11. French Bed

This style is classic and beautiful, having extravagant, upholstered headboards. They work very well in master suites with plenty of space, becoming a rich centerpiece for any bedroom.

French beds are romantic and elegant, with a very unique look. This elegance is taken to a new level if you also include rococo historical influences, where ornate decorations cover practically every surface of the bed.

These work very well with delicate, pastel bedding and a rich, ornate bedroom. 

They also fit very well with an abundance of monochrome patterns that emulate the rich styles of 1800’s French aristocrats!

12. Mid-Century Bed

These beds are sleek and vintage in style, inspired by beds of the 1950’s and 60’s.

They normally have flat surfaces and clean shapes, often either curving naturalistically or being entirely straight and angular. They are always made out of wood.

Mid-century beds are a great choice for a stylized, contemporary look or a more adventurous modern bedroom. 

They work great with strong patterns and colors that call back to their 50’s origins. Tapering legs and comfortable shapes also help to make them a charming feature of a master bedroom.

13. Metal Bed

Metal is a material used in countless styles of bed, from ornate, historical features or more clean and modern styles. For this reason, it’s hard to nail down a single feeling a metal bed might elicit.

In most cases, metal means a cleaner, more simplistic feel and a more industrial vibe. It also tends to be lighter than wood and thus easier to move around without breaking your back.

These beds also tend to be more affordable than their wood counterparts. If you have a contemporary or classic style, they may be perfect.

14. Wood Bed

This is another category that covers a huge number of styles and designs. In general, wood feels more cozy and homely, providing natural texture and warm colors. They are also easy to customize with paint, stain or other methods.

Wooden beds tend to be heavy, especially if their frame is thick and ornate. However, because of sturdiness, you may not need a box spring under your mattress.

There’s a reason wood is one of the oldest materials known to man and is still used commonly all over the world. It’s beautiful, reliable and versatile, creating a huge range of beds for almost any style or home.

Wrapping Up

After venturing through this mammoth breakdown of bed types and styles, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed!

Try to focus on your desired style, color scheme and feel for the room. Make sure you understand what you want from a bed when you start looking, both in style and functionality.

Once you find that perfect centerpiece for your bedroom, it will all be worth it. You’ll be able to rest easy knowing you made an informed and thorough decision!